Articles
NCMB’s Safe Opioid Prescribing Initiative: What the data show so far
In April, NCMB launched a first-of-its-kind initiative to increase its oversight of opioid prescribing known as the Safe Opioid Prescribing Initiative (SOPI). This program uses data provided by the NC Department of Health and Human Services to identify prescribers for investigation by the Board. Its primary goal is to reduce patient harm and deaths related to prescription opioids by proactively identifying and addressing potentially unsafe prescribing.
NCMB recognizes that chronic pain is a legitimate medical issue and wants patients to receive safe and appropriate care. The Board encourages care that conforms to current accepted standards regardless of the quantity or dose of medication prescribed.
Understandably, SOPI has caused some anxiety among NCMB licensees who have no wish to find themselves the subject of a medical board investigation. The Board recognizes that prescribers identified through its selection criteria may be practicing and prescribing in accordance with accepted standards of care.
This infographic present preliminary data about the Board work on SOPI through September 2016. To see the full inforgraphic click the "download the pdf" button below.
NCMB recognizes that chronic pain is a legitimate medical issue and wants patients to receive safe and appropriate care. The Board encourages care that conforms to current accepted standards regardless of the quantity or dose of medication prescribed.
Understandably, SOPI has caused some anxiety among NCMB licensees who have no wish to find themselves the subject of a medical board investigation. The Board recognizes that prescribers identified through its selection criteria may be practicing and prescribing in accordance with accepted standards of care.
This infographic present preliminary data about the Board work on SOPI through September 2016. To see the full inforgraphic click the "download the pdf" button below.